Latest news with #Income-Allianz
The Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Staying on message and away from ‘knuckleduster politics' pays off at polls for the PAP: Analysis
SINGAPORE: A disciplined campaign focused on the core issues and the absence of hardline tactics were key reasons behind the resounding mandate that the PAP received on May 3. The ruling party also harvested the fruits of groundwork over the past five years and efforts to assuage voters' concerns on matters such as the cost of living, while tailoring its campaign with constituency-specific plans for different towns. These decisions helped deliver 65.57 per cent of the vote to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his first election as head of government and secretary-general of the PAP, and cemented his leadership of party and country. The ruling party won 87 out of 97 seats in the next term of Parliament, and improved on 61.24 per cent of the popular vote at the 2020 General Election. Fronted by PM Wong, the PAP's campaign had a consistent message that was reiterated every day at rallies across the island – from Choa Chu Kang and Sembawang to Punggol and Sengkang – as well as at the lunchtime Fullerton rally and May Day Rally. This was: that a strong government led by the PAP is necessary to meet the challenges of a changed world, and that going with the team with a proven track record would give the Republic the best chance of continuing to succeed. PM Wong was reinforced on the key themes by Senior Ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Teo Chee Hean, noted Institute of Policy Studies senior research fellow Gillian Koh. This included articulating the PAP's thinking on key issues like multiracialism and job creation, as well as tackling the Income-Allianz deal when it was brought up during the hustings, and whether raising the goods and services tax was necessary in an inflationary environment, said Dr Koh. Left largely unsaid in the Prime Minister's call for Singaporeans to send all of the PAP's ministers – as well as its cohort of 32 newcomers – to Parliament was that the election was about his leadership, and whether Singaporeans approved of the fourth-generation (4G) team's succession. On this, he capitalised on the goodwill he had generated as the face of the government task force that tackled the Covid-19 pandemic. That was when PM Wong rose to national prominence, and Singaporeans came to be familiar with his style of communication and leadership – though he was not chosen to be leader of the 4G until 2022. Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan said: 'The PAP kept to a disciplined campaign. They were not unduly defensive and also kept their focus on their key campaign messages.' This election was also notable for how 'gentlemanly' the PAP was in its campaign, noted Associate Professor Tan. In the pre-2000s, the party at times used hardline tactics against opposition figures, including WP politicians Tang Liang Hong, J.B. Jeyaretnam and Francis Seow, said former PAP MP Inderjit Singh, who retired from politics in 2015. These included public accusations about their character and beliefs, defamation suits, as well as legislative changes that appeared to target them. During the 2025 hustings, the PAP did not bring up leaked text messages containing expletives that Andre Low – the WP's candidate in Jalan Kayu SMC – had sent to a group of friends. There was also no direct mention by the ruling party about the saga surrounding former WP MP Raeesah Khan's lying in Parliament, nor of WP chief Pritam Singh's subsequent conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee in this matter. It was different during the 2020 election campaign, after some of Khan's old social media posts surfaced and became the subject of police reports. Even after a public apology by Khan, the PAP had asked the WP to state its stand on her posts and questioned its choice to field her for election. By keeping to a 'clean' campaign and not reacting defensively to the opposition's volleys, the ruling party came out ahead, said Prof Tan. 'It contested like a ruling party, with an overwhelming majority, rather than as a party under siege,' he said. In doing so, it exuded 'quiet confidence', helped by the WP's strategy against Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, he added. DPM Gan was the subject of WP's criticism across its rallies – including over his move from Chua Chu Kang GRC to Punggol GRC on Nomination Day. PM Wong responded by expressing disappointment at the WP's attacks, and later said it had been 'cavalier and irresponsible' to Singaporeans to downplay the potential loss of an experienced minister. Inderjit Singh said hardline tactics attacking one's opponents are not workable in this new era, and that political parties here have to win the hearts and minds of voters to be victorious. Dr Koh added: 'In GE2025, it was a great relief that we did not see a return to the knuckleduster politics of the early decades of political history.' The PAP's success this round rested not just on its campaign strategy, but also on its decision to strengthen its groundwork following GE2020. At the biennial PAP conferences in 2022 and 2024, both SM Lee and PM Wong drove home to the party faithful the need to look after residents and their communities, and to be attuned to their problems and how to improve their lives. Before the first rally speech was uttered, the PAP had ensured it was going into battle well-prepared, where all policy and groundwork levers had been pulled for this objective. In Budget 2025, for instance, PM Wong made sure to address the cost of living – one of the central policy issues of the election – while also announcing moves for large families and workers facing job insecurity. Dr Koh said that by doing so, the PAP had set itself on 'the best footing possible', knowing that 'this would be Lawrence Wong's first campaign and that such maiden elections are always risky'. She highlighted data from market research company Blackbox that showed growing positive sentiment on core economic, social and political issues ahead of the election. While concerns about these issues were not perfectly assuaged, the PAP could remind voters of its plans and policy track record, she added. The PAP did this by stepping up its 'ground game', campaigning on a local level. Inderjit Singh said: 'I think one of the most significant improvements by the PAP was the ground game not just during the nine days, but the last five years. 'Many incumbents developed goodwill, and this helped win voters.' He said: 'In places where incumbents had stepped down, they turned up to help new candidates campaign, and their goodwill definitely helped to woo voters.' As the incumbent in most constituencies, PAP ministers also announced local town plans for better infrastructure and services. This included, notably, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat's promise to fight for a hawker centre for his residents in Bishan. The PAP's presence and attention to the ground – its strength both as the incumbent as well as the dominant ruling party – came amid a return to physical campaigning, after a pause in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After that election, PM Wong – then a minister and member of the party's central executive committee – had told activists that the party had not done so well in the digital arena, and not all of its content connected with netizens. Prof Tan said that, this round, the party struck the right balance in working the online and physical ground. 'So it did matter that GE2025 was not primarily digital.' In all, the PAP's vote share shows it managed to win over many middle-ground voters. Besides maintaining the support of its base – approximately 40 per cent of the electorate – it had to win over at least half of voters not tied to any party, or about 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the electorate, said Prof Tan. That it managed to do so at this election reflects both the PAP's performance legitimacy, and that it had campaigned fairly and in a gentlemanly manner, he added. This electoral performance will give PM Wong confidence and a 'free hand' in forming his Cabinet, said Inderjit Singh. He said: 'It now remains for the PM and the 4G team to consolidate the confidence and trust of Singaporeans and work on improving the lives of Singaporeans in the next five years.' - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Staying on message and away from ‘knuckleduster politics' pays off at polls for the PAP
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong speaking at the Fullerton rally held at the promenade area beside UOB Plaza on April 28. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG News analysis Staying on message and away from 'knuckleduster politics' pays off at polls for the PAP SINGAPORE – A disciplined campaign focused on the core issues and the absence of hardline tactics were key reasons behind the resounding mandate that the PAP received on May 3. The ruling party also harvested the fruits of groundwork over the past five years and efforts to assuage voters' concerns on matters such as the cost of living, while tailoring its campaign with constituency-specific plans for different towns. These decisions helped deliver 65.57 per cent of the vote to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his first election as head of government and secretary-general of the PAP, and cemented his leadership of party and country. The ruling party won 87 out of 97 seats in the next term of Parliament, and improved on 61.24 per cent of the popular vote at the 2020 General Election. Drumming home the fundamentals Fronted by PM Wong, the PAP's campaign had a consistent message that was reiterated every day at rallies across the island – from Choa Chu Kang and Sembawang to Punggol and Sengkang – as well as at the lunchtime Fullerton rally and May Day Rally. This was: that a strong government led by the PAP is necessary to meet the challenges of a changed world, and that going with the team with a proven track record would give the Republic the best chance of continuing to succeed. PM Wong was reinforced on the key themes by Senior Ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Teo Chee Hean, noted Institute of Policy Studies senior research fellow Gillian Koh. This included articulating the PAP's thinking on key issues like multiracialism and job creation, as well as tackling the Income-Allianz deal when it was brought up during the hustings, and whether raising the goods and services tax was necessary in an inflationary environment, said Dr Koh. Left largely unsaid in the Prime Minister's call for Singaporeans to send all of the PAP's ministers – as well as its cohort of 32 newcomers – to Parliament was that the election was about his leadership, and whether Singaporeans approved of the fourth-generation (4G) team's succession. On this, he capitalised on the goodwill he had generated as the face of the government task force that tackled the Covid-19 pandemic. That was when PM Wong rose to national prominence, and Singaporeans came to be familiar with his style of communication and leadership – though he was not anointed leader of the 4G until 2022. Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan said: 'The PAP kept to a disciplined campaign. They were not unduly defensive and also kept their focus on their key campaign messages.' No knuckledusters This election was also notable for how 'gentlemanly' the PAP was in its campaign, noted Associate Professor Tan. In the pre-2000s, the party at times used hardline tactics against opposition figures, including WP politicians Tang Liang Hong, J.B. Jeyaretnam and Francis Seow, said former PAP MP Inderjit Singh, who retired from politics in 2015. These included public accusations about their character and beliefs, defamation suits, as well as legislative changes that appeared to target them. During the 2025 hustings, the PAP did not bring up leaked text messages containing expletives that Mr Andre Low – the WP's candidate in Jalan Kayu SMC – had sent to a group of friends. There was also no direct mention by the ruling party about the saga surrounding former WP MP Raeesah Khan's lying in Parliament, nor of WP chief Pritam Singh's subsequent conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee in this matter. It was different during the 2020 election campaign, after some of Ms Khan's old social media posts surfaced and became the subject of police reports. Even after a public apology by Ms Khan, the PAP had asked the WP to state its stand on her posts and questioned its choice to field her for election. By keeping to a 'clean' campaign and not reacting defensively to the opposition's volleys, the ruling party came out ahead, said Prof Tan. 'It contested like a ruling party, with an overwhelming majority, rather than as a party under siege,' he said. In doing so, it exuded 'quiet confidence', helped by the WP's strategy against Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, he added. DPM Gan was the subject of WP's criticism across its rallies – including over his move from Chua Chu Kang GRC to Punggol GRC on Nomination Day. PM Wong responded by expressing disappointment at the WP's attacks, and later said it had been 'cavalier and irresponsible' to Singaporeans to downplay the potential loss of an experienced minister. Mr Inderjit Singh said hardline tactics attacking one's opponents are not workable in this new era, and that political parties here have to win the hearts and minds of voters to be victorious. Dr Koh added: 'In GE2025, it was a great relief that we did not see a return to the knuckleduster politics of the early decades of political history.' Walking into prepared ground The PAP's success this round rested not just on its campaign strategy, but also on its decision to strengthen its groundwork following GE2020. At the biennial PAP conferences in 2022 and 2024, both SM Lee and PM Wong drove home to the party faithful the need to look after residents and their communities, and to be attuned to their problems and how to improve their lives. Before the first rally speech was uttered, the PAP had ensured it was going into battle well-prepared, where all policy and groundwork levers had been pulled for this objective. In Budget 2025, for instance, PM Wong made sure to address the cost of living – one of the central policy issues of the election – while also announcing moves for large families and workers facing job insecurity. Dr Koh said that by doing so, the PAP had set itself on 'the best footing possible', knowing that 'this would be Mr Lawrence Wong's first campaign and that such maiden elections are always risky'. She highlighted data from market research company Blackbox that showed growing positive sentiment on core economic, social and political issues ahead of the election. While concerns about these issues were not perfectly assuaged, the PAP could remind voters of its plans and policy track record, she added. The PAP did this by stepping up its 'ground game', campaigning on a local level. Mr Inderjit Singh said: 'I think one of the most significant improvements by the PAP was the ground game not just during the nine days, but the last five years. 'Many incumbents developed goodwill, and this helped win voters.' He said: 'In places where incumbents had stepped down, they turned up to help new candidates campaign, and their goodwill definitely helped to woo voters.' As the incumbent in most constituencies, PAP ministers also announced local town plans for better infrastructure and services. This included, notably, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat's promise to fight for a hawker centre for his residents in Bishan. The PAP's presence and attention to the ground – its strength both as the incumbent as well as the dominant ruling party – came amid a return to physical campaigning, after a pause in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After that election, PM Wong – then a minister and member of the party's central executive committee – had told activists that the party had not done so well in the digital arena, and not all of its content connected with netizens. Prof Tan said that, this round, the party struck the right balance in working the online and physical ground. 'So it did matter that GE2025 was not primarily digital.' In all, the PAP's vote share shows it managed to win over many middle-ground voters. Besides maintaining the support of its base – approximately 40 per cent of the electorate – it had to win over at least half of voters not tied to any party, or about 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the electorate, said Prof Tan. That it managed to do so at this election reflects both the PAP's performance legitimacy, and that it had campaigned fairly and in a gentlemanly manner, he added. This electoral performance will give PM Wong confidence and a 'free hand' in forming his Cabinet, said Mr Inderjit Singh. He said: 'It now remains for the PM and the 4G team to consolidate the confidence and trust of Singaporeans and work on improving the lives of Singaporeans in the next five years.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Online Citizen
06-05-2025
- Business
- Online Citizen
PAP member pens open letter urging Ng Chee Meng to address Income-Allianz deal, reaffirm mission
On 26 April 2025, David Leong, a former branch secretary of the People's Action Party (PAP) Thomson division, published an open letter addressed to Ng Chee Meng, the PAP candidate for Jalan Kayu Single Member Constituency (SMC). In a Facebook post, Leong urged Ng to publicly address concerns regarding two major controversies: the failed sale of NTUC Income to Allianz, and the use of 1 Marina Boulevard, a prime asset intended to benefit workers. Leong's open letter closely followed a similar call by Tan Suee Chieh, former CEO of NTUC Income. Tan had earlier urged Jalan Kayu voters to question Ng's leadership, emphasising the importance of accountability, governance, and citizen responsibility. Both letters reflect increasing pressure on Ng to clarify his role in decisions affecting workers' welfare and public trust. Concerns over failed NTUC Income-Allianz deal In his letter, Leong questioned why Ng had held back from clarifying his position regarding the controversial sale of NTUC Income to Allianz. He criticised Ng's silence during the critical period, stating that constituents were left craving strong, decisive leadership. Leong stressed that Ng's leadership clarity was vital to restoring public trust ahead of the upcoming election. Ng earlier defends actions amid mounting scrutiny Earlier on 26 April, responding to media queries, Ng defended his involvement in the Income-Allianz deal. He stated that the proposed sale had been conducted in good faith. Ng explained that a review had been initiated following the government's decision to halt the sale, aimed at learning lessons from the episode. 'We will learn the proper lesson out of this episode and see how we can do better,' Ng told reporters during a media interview. He emphasised that the review would help guide future improvements, better meeting business needs and responding to public feedback. Reflection on Ng's electoral deployment Leong suggested that Ng's candidacy in Jalan Kayu SMC, rather than in a Group Representation Constituency (GRC), reflected both his resilience and the significant challenge ahead. He noted Ng's loss in Sengkang GRC in 2020 and speculated that carrying him again in a GRC team could strain party dynamics. Jalan Kayu, carved from volatile blocs near Sengkang and Punggol, now represents Ng's new political battleground. Drawing comparisons to historical battles, Leong highlighted Ng's military background as a former lieutenant-general in the Singapore Armed Forces. He argued that while Ng understood the principles of battlefield strategy, he had yet to fully apply them in the political arena. Using examples such as the Battle of Stalingrad and Wellington at Waterloo, Leong urged Ng to better anticipate alternative parties' narratives and to actively engage Jalan Kayu residents with a compelling vision. Leong described Ng's opponent, Andre Low of the Workers' Party, as relatively untested and less formidable compared to more seasoned alternative party candidates. However, he cautioned that silence could allow Low's narrative to dominate. He advised Ng to leverage his NTUC leadership experience, warning that these advantages would be meaningless without vocal engagement and public reassurance. Risks posed by NTUC Income's social mission shift Leong further criticised the proposed sale of NTUC Income to Allianz, suggesting it risked undermining Income's mission as a social enterprise supporting vulnerable communities. He urged Ng to acknowledge any misjudgement, reaffirm NTUC Income's social commitment, and transparently outline how future actions would better serve policyholders and workers. 1 Marina Boulevard asset use under spotlight Leong also raised concerns about 1 Marina Boulevard, a prestigious Grade A office property intended to serve worker welfare initiatives. Instead, it now houses NTUC leadership offices, sparking criticism that it is detached from workers' needs. 'This prime asset, granted to the Singapore Labour Foundation to advance workers' welfare, has become a symbol of disconnect, ' Leong said. Leong questioned why such a valuable asset was not leased out to fund worker retraining and support programmes. 'Why reside in such an exclusive enclave when those funds could uplift the needy? Why not lease it and channel the proceeds to retraining initiatives or financial aid?' Leong warned that Ng's silence could have wider political consequences. With Sengkang led by Lam Pin Min and Punggol GRC closely contested, he cautioned that any further erosion of public trust could consolidate alternative parties' hold in these key areas. He described Jalan Kayu as a critical extension of the battleground, where strong leadership and transparency were urgently needed. Concluding his letter, Leong offered Ng a series of strategic recommendations: Issue a public statement addressing the NTUC Income-Allianz controversy, acknowledging concerns and reaffirming commitment to Income's social mission. Recommit publicly to NTUC's founding purpose and consider revising policies to prioritise social objectives. Review the use of 1 Marina Boulevard, exploring leasing options to fund welfare programmes. Engage directly with Jalan Kayu residents through town halls and door-to-door outreach. Support allied efforts in Sengkang and Punggol to bolster the broader electoral front.
Independent Singapore
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Singaporeans call Andre Low's loss at Jalan Kayu the 'biggest disappointment of GE2025'
SINGAPORE: After the People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Ng Chee Meng won in the newly created Jalan Kayu Single Member Constituency (SMC) in the May 3 polls by the slimmest of margins, some commenters online called it 'the biggest disappointment of GE2025'. Mr Ng won 51.47% of the votes, while Workers' Party (WP) candidate Andre Low received 48.53%. As the 'closest loser' in this year's elections, he will serve as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) for the next five years. It could have been perceived, after all, as somewhat of a David and Goliath fight, with Mr Ng, 56, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) secretary-general, former Education Minister, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, hoping to make a comeback to the political arena versus a 33-year-old new candidate. However, Mr Low entered the fight swinging. At the WP rally on the second day of the campaign, April 24, he trended online after he brought up the blocked Income-Allianz deal, which the NTUC had endorsed. The matter became one of the surprise issues during the campaign period. A few days later, however, after old messages from a private Telegram chat with his business school classmates were leaked on Facebook and Reddit, Mr Low issued an apology and said he was taking responsibility for his actions. He appears to have won many supporters, according to a Reddit post put up shortly after the poll results were made known. Read related: 'I know the real Andre Low… I'd gladly send a bulldog like him to Parliament' Some expressed disappointment at Mr Ng's win, writing that they knew of voters in Jalan Kayu SMC who are supporters of the PAP but who had said they would choose Mr Low over Mr Ng. Others said they expected that the fight would be a close one, but with the results being the other way around, with Mr Low squeaking by with a win. 'Yes!' one wrote, adding that they were 'honestly so disappointed' at the choice voters had made. 'This result was super bewildering,' agreed a commenter. 'I am a Jalan Kayu voter, and I realised that people around me don't care about NTUC-Allianz. They are more concerned about whether they get a dog park,' another chimed in. 'If it's of any consolation, 52% in an exam is close to a fail, and 48% for an oppo candidate no one has heard of + involved in a leaked drama publicised on media is commendable,' one noted. 'NTUC Sec-Gen barely scraped through against a 33-year-old newbie. He ought to reflect on this. Hopefully, better results for WP in the next GE if Jalan Kayu SMC is still around,' a Reddit user wrote. 'Yes, as someone who could not vote this time, this is the only result I was focusing on. Andre put up a good fight, and the result is not what I wanted, but it is what it is,' one commented. On May 4, Mr Low thanked supporters in a social media post, writing, 'We can take heart in a strong result. For all who supported me, do not be disheartened, our message remains undimmed! I hope to continue to serve Singapore and Jalan Kayu to the best of my ability.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andre Low (@ /TISG Read also: WP's Andre Low: Ng Chee Meng and I represent 2 very different kinds of candidates
Business Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore election 2025: PAP claims Punggol GRC with 55.17% of vote, returning DPM Gan Kim Yong to Parliament
[SINGAPORE] The People's Action Party (PAP) has retained the newly formed Punggol GRC, fending off a high-profile challenge from the Workers' Party (WP) and keeping Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong in Parliament. Of the 115,252 valid votes cast on Saturday (May 3), the PAP garnered 63,589 or 55.17 per cent. There were 822 spoilt votes. This comes after days of campaigning in which PAP heavyweights stressed DPM Gan's importance to Singapore, including in ongoing tariff talks with the US. DPM Gan's team comprised two fellow political officeholders – Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary and Minister of State Sun Xueling – as well as NTUC assistant secretary-general Yeo Wan Ling. They defeated a team of four WP first-timers: Harpreet Singh, Jackson Au, Alexis Dang and Siti Alia Mattar. The WP team took 51,663 votes. This was despite DPM Gan being in unfamiliar territory, after an eleventh-hour shift from Chua Chu Kang GRC on Nomination Day. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Prime Minister Lawrence Wong later said that DPM Gan was fielded in Punggol because the party needed a 'senior office-holder of similar stature' to take over from retiring Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean. During the campaign, DPM Gan also came under opposition fire for his role in the controversial Income-Allianz deal as chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Warnings of crisis In his thank-you speech to supporters at Bedok Stadium, DPM Gan expressed gratitude to the residents of Punggol for placing their 'trust and confidence' in his team. To the residents who did not vote for the PAP, DPM Gan said that the team remains committed to engaging with all constituents and finding ways to work together. He thanked PM Wong for deploying him to Punggol and entrusting him with leading the national task force for economic resilience, as well as former SM Teo for his guidance, as DPM Gan navigated the constituency as a 'newbie'. He also acknowledged Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong for walking the ground during the campaign and helping to win support with his presence. Looking ahead, DPM Gan reminded supporters of an 'imminent global crisis... approaching nearer and nearer', stressing the need for unity to 'secure a better future for Singapore'. North-east push WP's unsuccessful bid in Punggol GRC was part of its continued push into Singapore's north-east, following its breakthrough in Sengkang GRC in 2020. That year, it defeated a PAP team that included Ng Chee Meng, who was then minister in the Prime Minister's Office. Ng, who stood in Jalan Kayu SMC this year, has returned to Parliament after securing 51.47 per cent of the vote, beating WP's Andre Low. Punggol GRC is home to Singapore's youngest electorate, with more than half of its more than 120,000 voters estimated to be aged between 21 and 45. The constituency was carved out of the now-defunct Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC – which the WP has never contested – and includes the former Punggol West SMC. In the 2020 General Election, WP's Punggol West candidate Tan Chen Chen took 39.02 per cent of the vote, losing to the PAP's Sun Xueling. For more election coverage, visit our GE2025 microsite
